Fletching Sleeve System and Method of Application and Manufacture

ABSTRACT

A disclosed archery fletching sleeve system and method of application and manufacture includes a fletching sleeve configured to frictionally fit onto an arrow shaft. The fletching sleeve defines glue application holes, slots, slits and channels or cavities on an inner surface thereof adjacent the glue holes to draw an applied glue therein via a capillary effect and/or an accordion bellows pumping effect. Additional slots and/or slits allow the sleeve to elastically stretch like an accordion to fit a wide range of arrow shaft diameters. The system also includes an application tool comprising two or more fingernail-like members configured to have a first end and a second end, the first end configured to have an inside arc and an outside arc orthogonal to a longitudinal dimension thereof, the outside arc configured to slide into a fletching sleeve applied to an arrow shaft slid into the inside arc of the fingernail-like members.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the priority date of earlierfiled U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/907,646, filedMay 31, 2013 under the title ‘A Fletching Sleeve System and Method ofApplication and Manufacture’, application Ser. No. 13/615,119 now U.S.Pat. No. 8,465,384, filed Sep. 13, 2012 under the title ‘A FletchingSystem and Method of Application’ and earlier filed U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/535,286, filed Sep. 15, 2011 under thesame title for Ben D. Blosser and Sean E. Gordon, each incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vanes can become easily damaged in the field due to collisions withother arrows, target pass through, target misses, etc. Any of thesesituations may lead to the vane needing replacement. Replacement usuallyrequires a specialized jig, knowledge and skill to replace damaged vanesproperly. Therefore, many archers opt to take a damaged arrow to anarchery pro shop to have the vanes replaced.

The one piece vane has been around for many years, it has been used onmainly youth style arrows as it is a lower cost method of producing avane, usually it is a press or friction type fit onto youth arrows. Itis easy to use the press or friction type fit for this application dueto the consistency in diameter of a certain manufacture's youth arrow.Nobody has successfully marketed a one piece vane to the adult market asthere are more variations in diameter of arrows and not a good way toattach the one piece vane to the varying diameters.

Some manufacturers market a piece of shrink tubing that has threeconventional vanes glued to it. It is slid onto the arrow and dippedinto boiling water where it shrinks and conforms around the arrow. Testsand field use of shrink tubing has indicated there is much room forimproving the durability of the heat shrink vane. Also, there is a longfelt need for an inherently less expensive alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed archery fletching system includes a fletching sleeveconfigured to fit around an arrow shaft. The sleeve includes a pluralityof raised portions and contact portions on an inner surface of thesleeve, the raised portions configured to form cavities together withthe arrow shaft for an application of an adhesive there between and thecontact portions configured to directly contact the arrow shaft. Anarchery fletching sleeve is also configured to fit around a commerciallyavailable arrow shaft, the sleeve defining at least one adhesiveapplication portal formed together with the arrow shaft to receive anadhesive during an application thereof onto the arrow shaft. An archeryfletching sleeve is yet configured to fit around a commerciallyavailable arrow shaft, the sleeve comprising at least one adhesiveapplication portal therein, wherein a ratio of portal area to sleevesurface area is at least one part portal area in 18.4 parts sleevesurface area, the portal(s) configured to receive an adhesive applied tothe arrow shaft at the portal(s).

The fletching system and method of application may include a lowdurometer fletching sleeve configured to frictionally fit onto an arrowshaft. The sleeve defines a plurality of glue application holes and aplurality of channels or cavities on an inner surface of the sleeveadjacent the glue holes. Glue disposed on the sleeve at the holes isdrawn into conduits formed between the channels and/or cavities with thearrow shaft and distributed across the inner surface of the sleeve ontothe arrow shaft. Capillary action caused by surface tension andintermolecular forces of adhesion between the glue and the sleeve andthe arrow shaft, draws the glue from the holes into the resultingconduits. The fletching sleeve also comprises three vanes formedintegrally with the sleeve as one piece. One of the vanes may comprise arecessed surface to receive a sticker flush with the vane and therebyavoid aerodynamic interference. The sticker may be used to decorate thevane or to display identifying and advertising indicia.

The disclosed archery fletching sleeve with integral vanes is configuredto fit around an arrow shaft in a fixed position with respect to an endof the shaft with a nock. The sleeve comprises a ratio of an area of anadhesive applied to the sleeve adjacent the arrow shaft to be one partin at least 18.4 parts sleeve surface area. Furthermore, a ratio ofportal area to sleeve surface area is one part in at least 110 partssleeve surface area, the portal(s) configured to receive an adhesiveapplied to the arrow shaft at the portal(s).

The disclosed archery fletching sleeve also comprises a stretchablecorrugated sleeve body having an outer diameter tangential to an outersurface of a plurality of alternating longitudinal ridges thereon and aninner diameter tangential to an inner surface of a plurality ofalternating longitudinal grooves thereon, the inner diameter configuredto be variable to stretchably fit the arrow shaft having a diametergreater than and/or equal to the sleeve inner diameter.

The disclosed fletching system also includes a collet application toolconfigured to hold and expand the fletching sleeve as it and the colletare slid over the arrow nock and shaft. The application tool, comprisingtwo or more fingernail-like members as disclosed. Each fingernail-likemember is configured to have a first end and a second end, the first endis configured to have an inside arc and an outside arc orthogonal to alongitudinal dimension thereof, the outside arc is configured to slideinto a fletching sleeve applied to an arrow shaft slid into the insidearc of the fingernail-like members. Embodiments of the colletapplication tool also include a substantially rigid body configuredorthogonally to the two semi-cylindrical fingers and designed to fitinto the palm of a user's hand.

Other aspects and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure willbecome apparent from the following detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrated by way ofexample of the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a straight channel fletching sleevein accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts an end elevational view of a straight channel fletchingsleeve in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts the cross sectional view 3-3 taken lengthwise through thefletching sleeve of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a cross section taken lengthwisethrough a fletching sleeve in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a geometric cavity fletching sleeveincluding a recessed vane in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a collet sleeve applicator inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a fletching system in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart of a method of application of the fletchingsleeve using the fletching system in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 9 depicts an end elevational view of an archery fletching sleeveincluding 6 slots in addition to 3 glue channels in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 depicts an end perspective view of an archery fletching sleeveincluding 6 slots in addition to 3 glue channels in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 depicts an end elevational view of an archery fletching sleeveincluding 6 slits in addition to 3 glue channels in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 depicts an end perspective view of an archery fletching sleeveincluding 6 slits in addition to 3 glue channels in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 a depicts a perspective view of an archery fletching sleeve witha front end and a back end in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 13 b depicts a perspective view of an archery fletching sleeve witha front glue bead and a back glue bead in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of an accordion corrugated archeryfletching sleeve in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 15 depicts an end elevational view of an accordion corrugatedarchery fletching sleeve in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 16 depicts a flow chart of a method of application of the fletchingsleeve via a pumping motion to draw glue into the slots of the fletchingsleeve in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 depicts a flow chart of a method of manufacture of a one piecearchery fletching sleeve in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 18 depicts a front view of a collet application tool in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 depicts a top elevational view of the collet application tool inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 depicts a bottom elevational view of the collet applicator inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 depicts an elevational view of a fletching sleeve applicationsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 depicts the cross section 22-22 taken widthwise through thehollow cone of FIG. 21 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 23 depicts a flow chart of a method of applying a fletching sleeveto an arrow shaft in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Throughout the description, similar or same reference numbers may beused to identify similar or same elements in the several embodiments anddrawings. Although specific embodiments of the invention have beenillustrated, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms orarrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of theinvention is to be defined by the claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments illustrated in thedrawings and specific language will be used herein to describe the same.It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope ofthe disclosure is thereby intended. Alterations and furthermodifications of the inventive features illustrated herein andadditional applications of the principles of the inventions asillustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant artand having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered withinthe scope of the invention.

The disclosed fletching system and method of application makereplacement or original installation of arrow vanes much easier, fasterand economical. The present disclosure enables the serious archer toquickly and inexpensively repair damaged vanes in the field withoutboiling water to shrink wrap a replacement sleeve or otherwiseperforming laborious and time consuming procedures.

Throughout the present disclosure and continuances and/or divisionaldisclosures thereof, the terms ‘slot,’ ‘channel’ and ‘conduit’ may beused interchangeably to define a passageway for a glue from a source toa destination in the passageway formed with an arrow shaft. However, theterm ‘channel’ generally refers to a 360 degree enclosed passage wayresulting from an open slot disposed adjacent an arrow shaft. The term‘cavity’ used throughout may define an empty space of various sizes andshapes that comprise open and/or closed hole square, rectangular,circular and elliptical cross-sectional geometries and also slots,channels and conduits. Also, the term ‘vane’ or ‘fletching’ usedthroughout may define a structure which directs or channels airflow overan arrow shaft or between vanes and may not resist or impede an airflowover the arrow nor affect its flight there through unless arrangedspecifically to do so. The term ‘hole’ refers to an opening or orificedefined by a 360 degree structure of the fletching sleeve. The term‘portal’ is defined by two or more structures together which form anopening or orifice for a passageway in the fletching sleeve such as aportal formed at the end of a channel formed by a slot and the arrowshaft. The term slot and slit may be used interchangeably depending onthe context of an embodiment where a very narrow slot may also bereferred to as a slit and a less narrow slit may be referred to as aslot.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a straight channel fletching sleevein accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thedepiction includes a fletching sleeve 10, glue portals 34 formed at theend of a fletching sleeve by a slot or channel therein, glue holes 20,raised sleeve portions 25 also known as raised rib portions orprotrusions, raised portion slots 30 on an underside of the sleeve 10, afirst vane 40, a second vane 50 and a third vane 60. The fletchingsleeve 10 may define at least two or three glue application holes 20disposed between any two vanes and therefore a total of 9 or more glueholes. The fletching sleeve 10 may include three vanes formed integrallywith the sleeve as one piece extruded or injection molded. Though thethree vanes 40, 50 and 60 are depicted as in-line with a longitudinalaxis of the sleeve, alternate embodiments may include vanes formedoffset with the longitudinal axis of the sleeve as depicted below inFIG. 2.

The low durometer fletching sleeve 10 is configured to frictionally fiton an arrow shaft (not depicted). The sleeve comprises a low durometermaterial having some memory of shape and form and some elastic restoringforce to its original cross section to accommodate varying arrow shaftdiameters. Embodiments of the fletching sleeve may also be made tovarying lengths to allow vanes of varying lengths to be formed thereon.The sleeve defines a plurality of glue application holes and a pluralityof channels or cavities on an inner surface of the sleeve 10 adjacentthe glue holes 20 and concentric with the glue holes in an embodiment ofthe disclosure. The channels 30 form conduits with the arrow shaft forglue applied at the holes 20 when the fletching sleeve is disposed onthe arrow shaft. Glue disposed on the sleeve 10 at the holes 20 is drawninto the resulting conduits and distributed between the holes and acrossthe inner surface of the sleeve and the arrow shaft. Capillary actioncaused by surface tension and intermolecular forces of adhesion betweenthe glue and the sleeve 10 and the arrow shaft, draws the glue from theholes 20 into the resulting conduits.

The height h or the length of a glue column in a fletching sleeveconduit may be given by:

${h = \frac{2{\gamma cos\theta}}{pgr}},$

where γ the liquid-air surface tension (force/unit length), θ is thecontact angle, ρ is the density of liquid (mass/volume), g is localgravitational field strength (force/unit mass), and r is the radius ofthe conduit (length). For water-based glues applied to the fletchingsleeve under standard conditions, γ=0.0728 N/m at 20° C., θ=20° (0.35rad), ρ is 1000 kg/m³, and g=9.8 m/s². Cyanoacrylate glues may have aslightly higher density factor of approximately 1.1 times the density ofwater. Accordingly, the height or length of the glue column between thefletching sleeve and the arrow shaft may be approximated as:

$h \approx {\frac{1.4 \times 10^{- 5}}{r}{m.}}$

In a10 one-thousandths of an inch diameter tube (radius 0.0049 in), theglue may travel 1.75 inches through a sleeve-shaft conduit or nearlynine-tenths of an inch through a 5 one-thousandths of an inchsleeve-shaft conduit. The channels 30 are therefore formed approximately5 to 10 thousandths of an inch in depth and width in the inner surfaceof the fletching sleeve 10 and extend from a first end of the sleeve toa second end of the sleeve and have a length nominally (1.75 inches)44.5 mm including one of a ten percent plus and a ten percent minusmanufacturing tolerance.

An embodiment of the disclosure may include a constant outside diameterof the sleeve 10 and a portion of the sleeve thinner over the cavitiesin relation to the rest of the sleeve 10. A portion of the sleeve overthe cavities, slots or slits may also form a raised rib portion 25 alsoknown as a protrusion or even a wrinkle on an outside surface of thesleeve 10 in order to maintain a constant thickness of the sleeve 10over the cavities. The raised rib portion 25 may extend to a glue hole20 and form a raised annular or donut circumference around the glue hole20. Therefore, a raised portion 25 on an outside diameter of thefletching sleeve 10 may include a raised rib portion 25 and an annularportion 25 around each glue hole 20 to which the rib 25 extends.Cavities may form a plurality of slots 30 on an inner surface of thesleeve, the slots configured to interconnect a plurality of glue holes20 defined in the sleeve, the slots 30 configured to form channels withthe arrow shaft and draw a glue applied to the holes 20 through theslots via a capillary action in the channels formed with the arrowshaft. A further embodiment may include the slots 30 configured to beparallel with an elongate axis of the sleeve, the slots 30 configured toform a plurality of stretch sutures between a sleeve portion above eachslot and another portion of the sleeve, the stretch sutures configuredto lower an overall stretch resistance of the sleeve 10 to facilitate anapplication of the sleeve onto the arrow shaft. Cavities may also form aplurality of circumferential slots (not depicted) on the inner surfaceof the sleeve 10, the circumferential slots concentric with a centerdefined in the sleeve. The cavities may form a plurality of slots on aninner surface of the sleeve wherein the slots comprise a depth of (5thousandths of an inch) 0.13 mm to (10 thousandths of an inch) 0.25 mmand a width of (one thousandths of an inch) 0.03 mm. In yet anotherembodiment of the disclosure, cavities may form a plurality of slots onan inner surface of the sleeve wherein the slots comprise oneconfiguration of substantially orthogonal internal vertices and anothersemi-circular configuration with no vertices and any other slot-likeconfiguration.

FIG. 2 depicts an end elevational view of a straight conduit fletchingsleeve in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thedepiction shows the fletching sleeve 10, the glue holes 20, raisedportions 25 and the straight channels 30 and glue portals 34 formed atthe end of a fletching sleeve by a slot or channel therein. The crosssection 3-3 taken lengthwise through the fletching sleeve is depicted inFIG. 3 as described below. The fletching sleeve 10 also comprises threevanes formed integrally with the sleeve as one piece. It may be noticedthat the three vanes 45, 55 and 65 are offset from an elongate axis onthe sleeve and therefore may impart a slight aerodynamic spin to thearrow when in flight. Embodiments of the present disclosure also includevanes formed in-line with an elongate axis on the sleeve imparting noaerodynamic drag or airflow resistance or spin to the arrow in flight.Dimensions 31, 32 and 33 indicate relative heights of the slot orchannel 30 to a respective height of a vane and a respective height orthickness of the fletching sleeve as depicted. Therefore, using the slotor channel height 31 as a relative unit of measure, the vane height is60 units tall and the sleeve height or sleeve thickness is 3 units tallor thick. Therefore, ratios of the height of the slot or height of thechannel from the arrow shaft are respectively determined to be 1 partslot or channel height to 60 parts vane height (taken from the outercircumference of the sleeve to the tallest portion of a vane) and 1 partslot/channel height to 3 parts sleeve height/thickness as depicted.

An embodiment of the disclosure includes at least one adhesiveapplication portal(s) including raised portions 25 configured toprotrude above an outside diameter of the sleeve 10 and receive andcontain the adhesive for application onto the arrow shaft. An adhesiveapplication portal also known as a glue hole 20 may extend any length,radius and shape in the sleeve and be joined by a plurality of glueslots of any length formed on an inside of the fletching sleeve runninglongitudinally, radially and any direction from one of a portal toanother portal and to a slot dead-end.

FIG. 3 depicts the cross sectional view 3-3 taken lengthwise through thefletching sleeve of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The depiction shows the fletching sleeve 10, thecore pin abutment line 15, the glue holes 20, raised portions 25 and thestraight channels 30 formed on the inside of the fletching sleeve andadjoining three glue holes each and glue portals 34 formed at the end ofa fletching sleeve by a slot or channel therein. The channels 30 asdepicted are each formed in a straight line parallel with an elongateaxis of the sleeve. The channels may be configured to form a stretchsuture between the resulting thinner sleeve above each channel and thethicker portions of the sleeve. The stretch sutures therefore may lowerthe overall stretch resistance of the sleeve to facilitate applicationof the sleeve onto the arrow shaft.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a cross section taken lengthwisethrough a fletching sleeve in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The depiction shows the fletching sleeve 10, thecore pin abutment line 15, the glue holes 20, raised portions 25 andraised portion cavities 70 adjacent the glue holes 20 formed on theinside of the fletching sleeve. The cavities draw glue from the holesmuch the same way that the channels draw glue from the holes. Thecavities are therefore also formed at a depth and width of 5 to 10 onethousandths of an inch. The cavities may be formed in embodiments of thedisclosure in place of or in addition to the channels in order toincrease the bonding surface area between the fletching sleeve 10 andthe arrow shaft. The cavities shown are depicted as square orrectangular but embodiments of the disclosure include circular, oblongand any other geometrical or random shape.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, cavities 70 may be configuredto form a stretch area between a sleeve area above each cavity andanother area of the sleeve, the stretch areas configured to lower anoverall stretch resistance of the sleeve 10 to facilitate an applicationof the sleeve 10 onto the arrow shaft. A plurality of glue holes 20 maybe defined in the sleeve wherein a cavity 70 is formed one of adjacent aglue hole and formed concentric with a glue hole an outside surface ofthe fletching sleeve 10 adjacent the holes 20 may be slightly raised asdepicted by 25. A thickness of the sleeve may also be constant and aportion of the sleeve may be thinner over the cavities in relation tothe rest of the sleeve. Therefore the cavities may form a stretch areabetween the resulting thinner sleeve adjacent a glue hole and thethicker portions of the sleeve.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a geometric cavity fletching sleeveincluding a recessed vane in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The depiction includes the fletching sleeve 10, thecore pin abutment line 15, glue holes 20, raised portions 25, a recessedvane 65, geometric cavities 70 and a sticker 80. The sticker 80 fitsinto the recess in the vane 65 to be flush with the non-recessed surfaceand avoid aerodynamic interference with the sticker 80. The sticker maybe used to decorate the vane and display identifying or advertisingindicia. Though only one vane is depicted with a recess, embodimentsinclude recesses for all three or more vanes.

An archery fletching sleeve 10 as disclosed may comprise at least oneadhesive application portal or glue hole 20 therein, wherein a ratio ofportal area to sleeve outside surface area is at least one part portalarea in 18.4 parts sleeve surface area, the portal(s) configured toreceive an adhesive applied to the arrow shaft at the portal(s).Embodiments of the disclosure may include a ratio of an area of theadhesive applied to the arrow shaft at the portal(s) 20 to be at leastone part in 18.4 parts sleeve surface area.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a collet sleeve applicator inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The colletsleeve applicator includes a handle 110, a hole 120 formed in the handleand the two semi-cylindrical finger-like extensions 130 disposed axiallyto the hole 120. Tips of the finger extensions may be chamfered andotherwise configured to be easily received into an inside diameter of afletching sleeve. The body of the collet-like applicator may be formedinto a handle configured orthogonally to the two semi-cylindricalfingers designed to fit into the palm of a user's hand. The colletapplicator may be formed from at least one of a polycarbonate material,a metallic material and any other substantially rigid material.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a fletching system in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system includes thefletching sleeve 10 and the collet applicator 100. The arrow nock 140and the arrow shaft 150 are typical of commercially available arrows.The finger extensions 130 of the collet applicator 100 are configured todeflect inwardly as indicated by the two opposing arrows to fit aninside diameter of a fletching sleeve 10. A length of the two fingerextensions 130 may approximate the length of a fletching sleeve. Adiameter of the collet applicator hole 120 may approximate mostcommercially available arrow nocks and shafts.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart of a method of application of the fletchingsleeve using the fletching system in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The method includes 210 deflecting the colletapplicator fingers 130 into a fletching sleeve and sliding the colletapplicator over the arrow nock and onto the arrow shaft. The method alsoincludes 220 holding the fletching sleeve on the arrow shaft andremoving the collet applicator from the sleeve and the arrow shaft. Themethod additionally includes 230 dabbing glue on the glue holes asneeded to fill the channels and cavities and bond the fletching sleeveonto the arrow shaft.

FIG. 9 depicts an end elevational view of an archery fletching sleeveincluding 6 slots in addition to 3 glue channels in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. With the exception of the slots85, reference numbers similar or same to reference numbers in otherdrawings are used to identify similar or same elements as also describedin supporting descriptions. An archery fletching sleeve with integralvanes configured to fit around an arrow shaft in a fixed position withrespect to an end of the shaft with a nock is disclosed. The sleevecomprises a plurality of stretchable slots 85 and/or slits 90 (depictedin FIGS. 11 and 12) on an inner surface of the sleeve having a diameterless than or equal to an outer diameter of the shaft. The slots 85and/or slits 90 are configured to allow the sleeve to elasticallystretch like an accordion to fit a wide range of arrow shaft diameters.Six slots are depicted in addition to the slots or channels whichintersect glue holes or portals but any number of slots may be formed inthe fletching sleeve to give it more stretchability. A portion of thesleeve over the slot/slits 25 may form a raised rib protrusion on anoutside surface of the sleeve 10 in order to maintain a constantthickness of the sleeve 10 over the slots/slits. The slots/slits areconfigured to form a plurality of stretch areas between a sleeve areaabove each slot/slit and another area of the sleeve, the stretch areasconfigured to lower an overall stretch resistance of the sleeve tofacilitate an application of the sleeve onto the arrow shaft (notdepicted).

An embodiment of the archery fletching sleeve may further comprise aplurality of circumferential slots/slits on the inner surface of thesleeve, the circumferential slots/slits configured to be concentric witha center defined in an interior of the sleeve.

The slots/slits may comprise a depth of (5 thousandths of an inch) 0.13mm to (10 thousandths of an inch) 0.25 mm and a width of (onethousandths of an inch) 0.03 mm thus configured to form an accordionbillows able to draw a cyanoacrylate glue across a length of (1.75inches) 44.5 mm against the force of gravity. A length of a slot/slitmay extend from a first end of the sleeve to a second end of the sleeveand the length is nominally (1.75 inches) 44.5 mm including one of a tenpercent plus and a ten percent minus manufacturing tolerance.

Another embodiment of the archery fletching sleeve with integral vanesconfigured to fit around an arrow shaft in a fixed position with respectto an end of the shaft with a nock, further comprises at least oneadhesive application portal therein, wherein a ratio of portal area tosleeve surface area is one part in at least 110 parts sleeve surfacearea, the portal(s) configured to receive an adhesive applied to thearrow shaft at the portal(s).

FIG. 10 depicts an end perspective view of an archery fletching sleeveincluding 6 slots in addition to 3 glue channels in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. Reference numbers similar or sameto reference numbers in other drawings are used to identify similar orsame elements as also described in supporting descriptions. Here it isclearly shown that the slots 85 may extend the entire length of thearchery fletching sleeve 10. Glue may be applied to either end of theslot 85 at the sleeve ends in order to be drawn into a channel formedwith the arrow shaft (not depicted). A capillary effect or an accordionpumping action, gravity, etc. may be used to draw the glue into thechannel as claimed and explained further below. The slots and/or slitsmay also be configured to interconnect a plurality of glue holes definedin the sleeve, the slots/slits configured to form channels with thearrow shaft and draw a glue applied to the holes through the slots viaan accordion pumping action in the formed channels.

FIG. 11 depicts an end elevational view of an archery fletching sleeveincluding 6 slits in addition to 3 glue channels in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. With the exception of the slits90, reference numbers similar or same to reference numbers in otherdrawings are used to identify similar or same elements as also describedin supporting descriptions. The dimensions of the stretch slots 85 andthe glue channels 30 may be similar or the same and therefore anydistinction between the two as referenced herein may depend on therespective embodiment and/or use thereof. In fact, a very narrow slot 85may be referred to as a slit 90 and therefore the terms may be usedinterchangeably.

FIG. 12 depicts an end perspective view of an archery fletching sleeveincluding 6 slits in addition to 3 glue channels in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. Reference numbers similar or sameto reference numbers in other drawings are used to identify similar orsame elements as also described in supporting descriptions. Here it isclearly shown that the slits 90 may extend the entire length of thearchery fletching sleeve 10. The slits 90 may not draw a glue appliedthereto as well as a larger slot 90 and therefore may be primarily forstretchability of the sleeve. However, many more slits 90 than shown maytherefore be formed in the underside of the fletching sleeve to increaseits stretchability.

FIG. 13 a depicts a perspective view of an archery fletching sleeve witha front end and a back end in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Reference numbers similar or same to referencenumbers in other drawings are used to identify similar or same elementsas also described in supporting descriptions. The front end 11 of thearchery fletching sleeve is depicted in relation to the back end 12 ofthe archery fletching sleeve. The front end 11 may be closer to thearrow tip and the back end 12 closer to the arrow nock in relation toeach other.

FIG. 13 b depicts a perspective view of an archery fletching sleeve witha front glue bead and a back glue bead in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure. Reference numbers similar or same toreference numbers in other drawings are used to identify similar or sameelements as also described in supporting descriptions. The depictedarchery fletching sleeve 10 with integral vanes is configured to fitaround an arrow shaft in a fixed position with respect to an end of theshaft with a nock. The sleeve comprises a ratio of an area of anadhesive applied to the sleeve adjacent the arrow shaft to be one partin at least 18.4 parts sleeve surface area. The adhesive may be appliedto a back end 12 to create a back end bead 13 and applied to a front end11 to create a front bead 14. A front end bead 14 applied to only thefront end 11 may be sufficient to secure the fletching sleeve onto thearrow shaft. However, Adhesive applied to both the front end 11 and thebackend 12 to create beads 14 and 13 respectively may enhancedurability.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of an accordion corrugated archeryfletching sleeve in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Reference numbers similar or same to reference numbers inother drawings are used to identify similar or same elements as alsodescribed in supporting descriptions. The accordion-like corrugatedarchery fletching sleeve 95 may also include integral vanes and beconfigured to fit around an arrow shaft in a fixed position with respectto an end of the shaft with a nock. The fletching sleeve 95 may comprisea stretchable corrugated sleeve body having an outer diameter tangentialto an outer surface of a plurality of alternating longitudinal ridges 98thereon and an inner diameter tangential to an inner surface of aplurality of alternating longitudinal ridges 96 thereon, the innerdiameter configured to be variable to stretchably fit the arrow shafthaving a diameter greater than and/or equal to the sleeve innerdiameter. An outer surface ridge 98 may form a corresponding wall to aninner surface groove 97. Alternatively, an inner surface ridge 96 mayform a corresponding wall to an outer surface groove 99.

FIG. 15 depicts an end elevational view of an accordion corrugatedarchery fletching sleeve in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Reference numbers similar or same to reference numbers inother drawings are used to identify similar or same elements as alsodescribed in supporting descriptions. Here the outer diameter tangentialto an outer surface of a plurality of alternating longitudinal ridges 98is drawn in broken lines. Also, the inner diameter tangential to aninner surface of a plurality of alternating longitudinal ridges 96 isdepicted in broken lines. The inner diameter is configured to bevariable to stretchably fit an arrow shaft having a diameter greaterthan and/or equal to the fletching sleeve inner diameter.

An embodiment of the disclosure may further comprise at least onenon-vane protrusion extending from the fletching sleeve, a protrusionheight thereof being greater than one fourth a thickness of thefletching sleeve thickness.

FIG. 16 depicts a flow chart of a method of application of the fletchingsleeve via a pumping motion to draw glue into the slots of the fletchingsleeve in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Themethod comprises 310 providing an archery fletching sleeve including aplurality of stretchable slots and/or a plurality of stretchable slitson an inner surface of the sleeve, the slots/slits configured to allowthe sleeve to elastically stretch like an accordion to draw a gluetherein and fit a wide range of arrow shaft diameters. The method alsoincludes 320 applying the fletching sleeve onto the shaft and applying aglue directly to the fletching sleeve and/or the shaft adjacent theslots/slits and pumping the fletching sleeve in a depressive andrelaxive accordion motion to draw the glue into the stretchableslots/slits and adhere the sleeve to the shaft.

FIG. 17 depicts a flow chart of a method of manufacture of a one piecearchery fletching sleeve in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The method includes 410 setting two core pins separatelyfrom either end of an injection mold, the core pins meetingapproximately in the middle inside of the sleeve at a core pin abutmentline prior to and during injection. The method also includes 420 moldinga plurality of stretchable slots and/or a plurality of stretchable slitson an inner surface of the sleeve, the slots/slits configured to allowthe sleeve to elastically stretch like an accordion and draw a gluetherein. The method further includes 430 drafting the core pinsseparately from either end of the injection molding with zerostabilizing support pin draft in the sleeve in order to form a straight,concentric and predetermined inside diameter throughout the sleeve.

FIG. 18 depicts a front view of a collet application tool 500 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The applicationtool includes two or more fingernail-like members 506, each member beingconfigured to have a first end 508 and a second end 514. The first end508 is configured to have an inside arc and an outside arc, which areorthogonal to a longitudinal dimension thereof. The outside arc isconfigured to slide into a fletching sleeve applied to an arrow shaft,which is slid into the inside arc of the fingernail-like members. Theapplication tool further includes a demarcator 510, a connector 512, anda set of two or more ribbon handles 515. The set of first ends 508 maybe chamfered and other wise configured to be easily received into aninside diameter of a fletching sleeve as explained in detail below inregards to FIG. 19. The demarcator 510 is a demarcation to indicate thedesired position of a fletching sleeve. The demarcator 510 may beapplied to, painted on, or etched in one or more fingernail-likemembers. The desired position of the fletching sleeve may be determinedby a ratio of the fingernail-like member thickness to the length of thefingernail-like member inserted into the fletching sleeve. The ratio mayrange from 1:50 to 1:95. In other words, the demarcator ratio can be onepart fingernail-like member thickness to 50 parts, 74 parts, 95 parts,or any value in the range of 50-95 parts length inserted into thefletching sleeve. In another embodiment the fingernail-like membersincludes a demarcator that indicates the length to a mid-point of afletching sleeve on the outside arc of the fingernail-like members.

The region 516 illustrates a transition length or a taper from a curvedfingernail-like member portion to a flat ribbon-like member portion. Thetransition may occur anywhere between the demarcator 510 and the secondends 514 of the application tool 500. In fact, it is not necessary thatthere be a transition and the complete length of the application toolfrom the first ends 508 to the second ends 514 may be curved. Thetransition enables a more ergonomic flat ribbon loop 515 for a user'sfingers.

The connector 512 connects a fingernail-like member to anotherfingernail-like member. The connector 512 may be positioned at anapproximate midpoint, near the termination of the outer radius of thefirst end 508, at the connection point of a second end 514, or below (inreference to the orientation of FIG. 18) the connection point of thesecond end 514. In one embodiment, the collet application tool does notinclude the connector 512. The second end 514 is the end of thefingernail-like member associated with a handle. The second end 514 maywrap around a handle 110 (see FIG. 6), or attach to a portion of afingernail-like member to form a ribbon handle 515. The ribbon handle515 is a handle formed by attaching the second end 514 of afingernail-like member to another portion of the fingernail-like member.The loops of the ribbon handle 515 accommodate one or more user'sfingers to enable pulling the application tool onto an arrow shaftinserted longitudinally between the fingernail-like members 506 (seeFIG. 7).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fingernail-like membersof the fletching sleeve application tool are adjoined at an approximatemidpoint and connect in an ‘H’ like configuration. In anotherembodiment, the fingernail-like members of the application tool arediscrete and the second ends thereof may be grasped for pulling thefletching sleeve and the first ends onto the arrow shaft. In yet anotherembodiment, a knob like piece or portion is laterally attached to thesecond end of each fingernail-like member to enable a user to pull theapplication tool bearing a fletching sleeve onto an arrow shaftextending there through.

FIG. 19 depicts a top elevational view of the collet application tool500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Theapplication tool includes the connector 512, the second ends 514, theribbon handles 515, the inner radius 520, and the outer radius 525. Theinner radius 520 is disposed adjacent an arrow shaft and is the measureof the inner curvature orthogonal to a longitudinal dimension of afingernail-like member. The outer radius 525 is disposed adjacent afletching sleeve and is the measure of the outer curvature orthogonal tothe longitudinal dimension of the fingernail-like member. In theillustrated embodiment, the outer radius 525 and the inner radius 520are separated by a thickness of the fingernail-like members. A space 528between the two or more fingernail-like members allows larger diameterarrow shafts to be inserted between the fingernail-like members. Inother words, larger diameter arrow shafts may require a larger space528. Likewise, the connector 512 is arched to allow it to alsoaccommodate larger diameter arrow shafts between the fingernail-likemembers. Therefore the fingernail-like members may conform to only aportion of the circumference of the arrow shaft inserted there betweenand still facilitate applying the fletching sleeve onto the arrow shaftas further explained below. In one embodiment, the two or morefingernail-like members of the fletching sleeve application tool aremade of a low durometer material, which allows the fingernail-likemembers to flex around a plurality of arrow shaft sizes.

FIG. 20 depicts a bottom elevational view of the collet applicator 100in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This view ofthe applicator includes the handle 110, a band 115, the hole 120, and aset of slits 125. The handle 110 is rigid and does not deform when forceis applied to its exosurfaces. The band 115 serves to secure the secondends of the applicator tool to the handle 110. The band 115 thereforemay be a band with adhesive in order to secure the applicator tool endsto the handle 110 and to secure a lose end of the band to itself. In oneembodiment, the adhesive band 115 wraps around the handle 110 in adirection orthogonal to the direction he second ends 514 of thefingernail-like members wrap around the handle 110, holding the secondends 514 in place. The band 115 may have adhesive on one side, bothsides, or an adhesive of one type on one side and an adhesive of asecond type on a second side. Another embodiment of the presentdisclosure comprises a hook and loop material wrap or band 115configured to secure the application tool 100 to the handle 110.

The hole 120 is parallel to the fingernail-like members and extends thethickness of the handle 110. In another embodiment, the hole 120 isorthogonal to the handle 110. The set of slits 125 is a set of slots inthe handle 110. The set of slits 125 includes two or more slots thatextend the thickness of the handle. In one embodiment, the set of slits125 is parallel to the hole 120. In another embodiment, a portion ofeach slit 125 is parallel to the hole 120. In one embodiment, the secondend 514 of a fingernail-like member attaches to the handle 110 in one ofthe slits 125. In another embodiment, the middle portion of afingernail-like member is in one of the slits 125 and the second end 514of the fingernail-like member wraps around the handle 110. A diameter ofthe hole is substantially the size of a commercially available arrowshaft and a length of the hole extending a thickness of the handle. Thenumber of slits surrounding the hole in the handle dependents on thenumber of low-profile members.

In one embodiment, each of the fingernail-like members is positioned ina slit and the second end is secured to the handle. In anotherembodiment, each of the fingernail-like members is positioned in a slitand the second end is wrapped around the handle one or more times and/orsecured.

FIG. 21 depicts a perspective view of a fletching sleeve applicationsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thesystem includes a semi-hollow or hollow cone 530, an arrow nock 140, andan arrow shaft 150. The hollow cone 530 includes a stem 540, an extendedskirt 545, and a stem tip 550. The cross section 22-22 taken widthwiseto the hollow cone is depicted in FIG. 22 as described below. In oneembodiment, the hollow cone 530, the stem 540, the extended skirt 545,and/or the stem tip 550, may be comprised of the same material. Inanother embodiment, the hollow cone 530, the stem 540, the extendedskirt 545, and/or the stem tip 550 may be comprised of differentmaterials. For example, the hollow cone 530 and the extended skirt 545may be of one type of material, known for having a smooth surface andlow friction, while the stem 540 and the stem tip 550 are made of asecond type of material, known for being rigid.

The stem 540 is a structure comprised within the hollow cone 530. In oneembodiment, the length of the stem 540 is longer than the typicaldistance from the trough of the nock to the tip of the nock prongs. Thestem 540 may be made of rigid and/or low durometer material. In oneembodiment, the stem 540 has two ends, a first end and a second end (notdepicted). The first end is connected to the stem tip 550. The secondend of the stem 540 will be described in more detail in connection toFIG. 22.

The extended skirt 545 is an extension of the hollow cone 530. In oneembodiment, the extended skirt 545 is a continuation of the hollow cone530. For example, the extended skirt 545 begins at a seamless changefrom the form of a cone to the form of a cylinder. In another example,the extended skirt 545 continues a parabolic shape or cone shape.

The stem tip 550 is filling for the tip of the hollow cone 530. In oneembodiment, the stem tip 550 is cone shaped with a radius substantiallythe same as the inner radius of the hollow cone 530. In one embodiment,the stem 540 and the stem tip 550 are fixed together. For example, thestem 540 attaches to the base of the stem tip 550. In another example,the stem 540 and the stem tip 550 may be inseparably joined together,made of one piece of material, or made of two parts that may betemporarily joined together. The stem tip 550 may be made of rigidand/or low durometer material.

FIG. 22 depicts the cross section 22-22 taken widthwise through thehollow cone of FIG. 21 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The second end of the stem 540 has a cuboid-like end, thethickness of the stem 540 being substantially the same as the thicknessof a commercially available bowstring in order to be received into thearrow nock 140. The width of the stem 540 may remain constant from thefirst end of the stem 540 to the second end. The width of the stem 540may also vary with the inner diameter of the hollow cone. In theillustrated embodiment, the stem width is substantially the same as theinner diameter of the hollow cone.

FIG. 23 depicts a flow chart of a method of applying a fletching sleeveto an arrow shaft in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The method includes 610 providing two or morefingernail-like members having an inside arc and an outside arcorthogonal to a longitudinal dimension thereof, the outside arcconfigured to slide into a fletching sleeve applied to an arrow shaftslid into the inside arc of the fingernail-like members. The method alsoincludes 620 sliding the fingernail-like members and fletching sleeveonto the arrow shaft. The method further includes 630 removing thefingernail-like members from the fletching sleeve and the arrow shaft.

Embodiments of the fletching sleeve 10 may be manufactured using aco-extrusion process with two materials, or through a two shot injectionmold process, or even an over mold injection mold process. Two core pinsmay be used to form the disclosed fletching sleeve in order to form anoptimal inside sleeve diameter. Manufacturing via a single core pin maycause concentric issues with the sleeve diameter and may require supportpins through the sleeve 10 to help stabilize the core pin. Therefore, adual pin method of manufacturing enables forming a straighter sleeve 10because the two core pins may meet approximately in the middle inside ofthe sleeve at the core pin abutment line 15 and may be separately setprior to and during injection. A two pin method of manufacturing asdisclosed also facilitates draft, or the removing of the fletchingsleeve 10 from the injection mold. This element of the disclosure isparticularly helpful in rapid injection molding manufacturing.

An inside diameter of the fletching sleeve may be greater than anoutside diameter of the arrow shaft to which it is affixed and thereforefacilitate sliding the sleeve onto the shaft. Embodiments having aninside diameter of the arrow sleeve smaller than an outside diameter ofthe arrow shaft may also be included in embodiments of the disclosureallowing for frictional fit of the sleeve via stretch sutures onto thearrow shaft as disclosed herein. The actual difference in diameters maybe very small in order to allow for manufacturing tolerancesapproximating an equivalence thereof.

A method of producing or manufacturing an archery vane is also embodiedherein using a two shot, over mold, or co-extrusion to produce adifferent color cock vane. Where there are three vanes on an arrow, twoof them may be one color and the third (cock vane) a different color toaid in clocking the arrow properly on the bowstring. Also, an embodiedprocess may injection mold a number of colors at one time causing amixing camouflage type pattern. A hydrographic process also allowsdipping different patterns onto thermo plastic elastomers and thermoplastic urethanes.

An embodiment of the disclosure may include a center sleeve withfeatures that make it more flexible to allow expansion over a wide rangeof shaft diameters and allow harder and tougher vane material fordurability. An embodiment also may include a small diameter carbon shaftthat is glued into the back of an arrow so that a one piece vane can beinstalled with a flush fit with the main diameter of the arrow shaft.Also, a cone style installation tool may be included in an embodimentthat may replace the nock in the end of an arrow temporally while thevane is installed.

Embodied methods of application may also include an air hose adaptor forinstalling fletching onto shaft. A custom air hose adaptor may alloweasy installation of a smaller diameter one piece fletching over alarger arrow shaft. Another embodied method may include attaching a onepiece fletching to arrow shafts comprising double sided tape, andsolvent. Other embodiments may comprise spraying an arrow shaft withaerosol hairspray which acts as a lubricant for a short period of time,while the fletching is installed over the shaft. Thereafter thehairspray dries and bonds the fletching to the arrow. Talcum powder mayalso be applied to the arrow and the vane to aid in application orinstallation. Yet another method of application may include inserting aneedle glue applicator under the sleeve while the sleeve is on the arrowshaft.

An embodiment of the present disclosure may include laying down aspherical or cylindrical bead of glue around the shaft and sliding thefletching sleeve onto or adjacent the bead of glue. A first bead of gluemay also be applied adjacent a first end of the sleeve and a second beadof glue may also be applied adjacent a second end of the sleeve on thearrow shaft. The glue portals 34 formed at the end of a fletching sleeveby a slot or channel therein are configured to draw glue from the beadof glue at either end of the fletching sleeve into and through the slotsand channels formed with the arrow shaft. The embodiment thuslydescribed may not therefore require additional glue holes between endsof the fletching sleeve in order to secure the fletching sleeve to thearrow shaft. The glue or adhesive may also be applied responsive to thesleeve being positioned in a predetermined location on the arrow shaftand secure the fletching sleeve onto the arrow shaft for certainapplications in spite of glue in the channels thereof.

Although the operations of the method(s) herein are shown and describedin a particular order, the order of the operations of each method may bealtered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse orderor so that certain operations may be performed, at least in part,concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructionsor sub-operations of distinct operations may be implemented in anintermittent and/or alternating manner.

Notwithstanding specific embodiments of the invention have beendescribed and illustrated, the invention is not to be limited to thespecific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated.The scope of the invention is to be defined by the claims and theirequivalents to be included by reference in a non-provisional utilityapplication.

What is claimed is:
 1. An application tool, comprising two or morefingernail-like members, each member configured to have a first end anda second end, the first end configured to have an inside arc and anoutside arc orthogonal to a longitudinal dimension thereof, the outsidearc configured to slide into a fletching sleeve applied to an arrowshaft slid into the inside arc of the fingernail-like members.
 2. Theapplication tool of claim 1, wherein the first end of each of thefinger-nail like members is chamfered and configured to be easilyreceived into an inside diameter of the fletching sleeve.
 3. Theapplication tool of claim 1, wherein the fingernail-like memberscomprise a thickness and a length comprising a number of equal measureparts and a demarcator configured to indicate a placement of thefletching sleeve on the fingernail-like members dependent on a ratio ofone part fingernail-like member thickness to at least 50 parts lengthinserted into the fletching sleeve.
 4. The application tool of claim 1,wherein the fingernail-like members include a demarcator configured toindicate a mid-point of the fletching sleeve slid onto the outside arcof the fingernail-like members.
 5. The application tool of claim 1,further comprising a knob-like piece and/or portion laterally attachedto the second end of each fingernail-like member to enable a user topull the application tool bearing a fletching sleeve onto an arrow shaftextending there through.
 6. The application tool of claim 1, furthercomprising a handle orthogonally attached to the fingernail-likemembers, wherein the handle defines a hole parallel to thefingernail-like members, the hole being adjacent to the attachment ofthe fingernail-like members to the handle, a diameter of the hole beingsubstantially the size of a commercially available arrow shaft and alength of the hole extending a thickness of the handle.
 7. Theapplication tool of claim 6, wherein the handle comprises at least twoslits which are in part parallel to the hole and extend the thickness ofthe handle, the number of slits being dependent on the number oflow-profile members.
 8. The application tool of claim 6, wherein each ofthe fingernail-like members is positioned in a slit and the second endis secured to the handle.
 9. The application tool of claim 6, whereineach of the fingernail-like members is positioned in a slit and thesecond end is wrapped around the handle.
 10. The fletching sleeveapplication tool of claim 1, further comprising a space between aplurality of elongate edges of the two or more fingernail-like members,the space configured to be variable with a diameter of the arrow shaft.11. The fletching sleeve application tool of claim 1, wherein the two ormore fingernail-like members are made of a low durometer materialconfigured to allow the fingernail-like members to flex around aplurality of arrow shaft sizes.
 12. The fletching sleeve applicationtool of claim 1, wherein the fingernail-like members are adjoined at anapproximate midpoint between each first and second end and connected inan ‘H’ like configuration.
 13. The application tool of claim 1, whereinthe fingernail-like members are disparate and the second ends thereofmay be grasped for pulling the fletching sleeve and the first ends ontothe arrow shaft.
 14. The application tool of claim 1, wherein eachsecond end of the fingernail-like members is configured to form aribbon-like loop for pulling the application tool onto an arrow shaft.15. A fletching sleeve installation system, comprising a hollow cone forcovering an arrow nock and an installation tool including two or morefingernail-like members configured to have an inside arc and an outsidearc orthogonal to a longitudinal dimension thereof, the outside arcconfigured to slide into a fletching sleeve applied to an arrow shaftslid into the inside arc.
 16. A fletching sleeve installation tool,comprising a semi-hollow cone configured to cover and attach to an arrownock via a stem extending from an inside of the cone, the stemconfigured to be received into the nock.
 17. The fletching sleeveinstallation tool of claim 16, wherein the stem is substantially longerthan a distance from a trough of the arrow nock to a tip of a set ofnock prongs.
 18. The fletching sleeve installation tool of claim 16,further comprising a skirt of the hollow cone extending beyond the stem,the skirt configured to provide a smooth transition from a conic portionof the hollow cone to a cylindrical portion.
 19. The fletching sleeveinstallation tool of claim 16, wherein a thickness of the stem issubstantially equal to the thickness of a typical commercially availablebowstring.
 20. The fletching sleeve installation tool of claim 16,wherein a width of the stem is configured to be variable with an innerdiameter of the hollow cone and the skirt.